As Scotland inches closer to a referendum which will determine whether it strikes out as an independent country, one cottage industry remains as classic to the region as ever.
Those who journey to the Outer Hebrides will find Harris Tweed, a fabric woven into the culture and very geography of the Isle of Lewis. Required by an Act of Parliament to weave the iconic tweed sans automated machinery, only Outer Hebrides islanders are allowed to create the cloth — and they must do the actual weaving in their homes. A cottage industry, indeed.
Below, the tweed's journey — from its first wild moments on the highlands to landing on department shelves — in photos.
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